14 Mar Physical & Mental Signs of Abusive Relationships

Abuse in relationships, both physical and mental, is a serious issue, though often minimized or joked about. While some people joke about “crying abuse,” many others are genuinely suffering. Domestic abuse is defined by the National Domestic Violence Hotline as a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to control the other. It can be physical, mental, and affect people from all walks of life.

Abuse can take many forms and doesn’t discriminate based on race, gender, or socioeconomic background. Mental abuse can be particularly difficult to detect, often going unnoticed until it escalates. Examples of mental abuse include name-calling, constant criticism, jealousy, possessiveness, isolation, and threats. Physical abuse, while sometimes more apparent, often follows emotional abuse. Signs of physical abuse include hitting, choking, or preventing someone from leaving, as well as damaging property or threatening loved ones.

The early signs of abuse often include controlling behaviors, jealousy, and possessiveness. While some abusive relationships may appear perfect at first, these behaviors can quickly escalate into more serious violence. It’s crucial to recognize that abusive behaviors are not romantic, despite how TV shows and movies may portray them. Ignoring the signs of abuse could lead to serious consequences, even life or death for someone in the relationship.